Changing faces at the Daily Politics

The Daily Politics returns in January with a few changes in the presenting line-up.

Anita Anand has left us for a few months, as she starts maternity leave. Andrew Neil will continue to present the show from Monday to Thursday.

Jo Coburn - who has been co-hosting the Thursday shows - will take on Anita's role and now present four days a week.

And Five live's Shelagh Fogarty will be a new face on the show, presenting with Andrew on Thursdays.

Anita said on her final day: "What an emotional day!

"And me in my condition too! The Daily Politics is such a fine programme that it's always hard to take your leave at the end of a parliamentary session let alone at the beginning of a stretch of maternity leave.

PRESENTING TEAM IN EARLY 2010

MONDAY: Andrew & Jo

TUESDAY: Andrew & Jo

WEDNESDAY: Andrew & Jo

THURSDAY: Andrew & Shelagh

FRIDAY: Jo (alone)

"But i suppose with the high drama of the last few months - the tears, the tantrums, the throwing of toys from various political prams - it's more than prepared me for the adventure ahead.

"I shall be watching avidly at home - (the bump already seems to kick more during PMQs so i think the baby too will be a bit of a political anorak). And I hope to be back with you soon.

"And i'd like to thank all the viewers who sent their kind messages wishing me good luck. I know i'm going to need it!"

She will still be heard on BBC Radio Five live through January.

Jo steps up from one to four days a week on the DP from 5 January

Jo said of her new role: "What a rollercoaster of a show it will be, as the country prepares to go to the polls.

"The talented team at the Daily Politics will be ready for anything: MPs expenses will still loom large, the state of the economy will continue to dominate and all the parties will be gearing themselves up to win over sceptical voters.

"I for one am looking forward to putting the key players through their paces and keeping you up-to-date with what each party is promising in that all important election campaign.

"But it's going to be fun too - how could it not be with Andrew and our guests. The show has all the vital ingredients and I know the next six months will be hugely enjoyable and rewarding. Make a date with Daily politics every day if you can.

The Daily Politics is broadcast from 1200 to 1230 on most weekdays, with a longer show on Wednesdays from 1130 to 1300 as we cover Prime Minister's Questions.

The shows are repeated on BBC Parliament at midnight and are on the iPlayer for seven days.